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Review by MD Ekram Parvez – Watchmoviesonline.in
Rating: 4/5
“Sumo” is a heartwarming and inspiring story that beautifully blends themes of perseverance, friendship, and cultural heritage. Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the film takes us on a journey through the world of sumo wrestling, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of its protagonist, Afaq.
The narrative revolves around Afaq, a young and ambitious sumo wrestler who dreams of making it big in the competitive world of sumo. The film captures his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a formidable force in the sport, presenting his story as one of unwavering determination against all odds. Sahil Chauhan delivers a powerful performance as Afaq, embodying the spirit of a true underdog with his raw talent and unyielding passion.
The film also delves into the rich cultural heritage of sumo wrestling, offering a unique insight into the traditions and rituals that define the sport. The supporting cast, including Sharib Hashmi and Manoj Bajpayee, adds depth to the story with their compelling performances. Their portrayal of mentors and rivals brings an emotional anchor to the film, making Afaq’s struggles and sacrifices feel authentic and relatable.
However, the narrative takes a gripping turn when Afaq faces personal challenges that threaten to derail his career. This emotional drama adds a layer of complexity to the story, showcasing the internal conflicts and external pressures that athletes often face. Sharib Hashmi delivers a standout performance as Afaq’s mentor, capturing the essence of a man fighting to preserve his legacy while navigating personal turmoil.
Despite compelling performances and an emotional core that resonates, the narrative’s reliance on melodrama and formulaic sequences detracts from its overall impact. The film’s inconsistent pacing and the disjointed nature of the various genres leave it struggling to maintain the audience’s full engagement throughout.
Despite these shortcomings, “Sumo” offers a decent timepass with fresh faces and an unconventional plot. It’s a lighthearted entertainer that, while not a cinematic masterpiece, provides a fun escape for audiences looking for a good laugh and engaging performances.
Top Reviews From Other Critics
Times of India
Rating: 2/5
“Sumo” has a quirky premise and a few genuinely amusing moments, but it struggles under the weight of its chaotic storytelling and over-the-top characters. The film follows Afaq, a sumo wrestler whose journey is filled with hilarious situations. However, the execution is marred by poor writing and direction, making the humor feel forced and the narrative disjointed. Read The Full Review Here.
Filmibeat
Rating: 2/5
“Sumo” strives to be a fun, light-hearted sports drama with a quirky twist, but its execution is marred by poor writing and direction. The film struggles to find its identity, oscillating between being a slapstick comedy and a sports drama without finding a comfortable balance between the two. The humor is mostly forced and rarely lands effectively, making the experience feel tedious instead of entertaining. Read The Full Review Here.
ABP Live
Rating: 3/5
“Sumo” is a lighthearted, mass entertainer that makes for a decent timepass. While the film is not a cinematic masterpiece, it is far better than some highly promoted projects. The story is fresh, performances are engaging, and the sports sequences are well-executed, making the film an enjoyable watch. The film introduces three new lead actors who deliver commendable performances, making it a worthwhile experience. Read The Full Review Here.
Hindustan Times
Rating: 0.5/5
“Sumo” review: Forced humor and bad acting do this film no favors, which has few redeeming qualities. The story revolves around Afaq, a sumo wrestler, but the execution is a royal mess with random characters and subplots that fail to engage the audience. The humor relies on outdated tropes and body-shaming, making it feel tedious and unfunny. Read The Full Review Here.
Box Office Worldwide
Rating: 1/5
“Sumo” fails to make the most of its promising premise, delivering a film that feels clumsy and half-baked. While the story’s core idea had the potential to be something genuinely funny and unique, it’s bogged down by poor writing, lackluster performances, and uninspired direction. It’s a film that tries too hard to be funny but ends up being tedious instead. Read The Full Review Here.
Sumo: Everything You Need to Know
Director
Release Date
- April 24, 2025
- Where: Theaters
Run Time
Cast
- Sahil Chauhan as Afaq
- Sharib Hashmi as Afaq’s mentor
- Manoj Bajpayee as the rival coach
- Ganesh Acharya as Pintu’s Uncle
- Shushant Thamke as Pintu
- Jaanya Joshi as Pappi
- Puja Banerjee
- Vidhi Yadav
- Ali Asgar
- Ajay Jadhav
With its quirky premise and engaging performances, “Sumo” is a must-watch for fans of sports dramas and lighthearted entertainers.
